Context The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has reviewed and updated decades-old brokerage and mutual fund regulations with the objective of reducing costs for investors, improving transparency, and simplifying market rules. The decisions were taken in SEBI’s board meeting. Changes brought by SEBI• Mutual fund expense ratio reduced by up to 15 basis points.Benefit: Investors pay less fees, so their returns increase over time.• Base Expense Ratio (BER) introduced, excluding GST, stamp duty and Securities Transaction Tax.Benefit: Investors can clearly see what the fund manager is actually charging.• Additional 5 basis points exit load on early redemption removed.Benefit: Investors can exit funds without extra penalty.• Brokerage capped at 6 basis points (cash market) and 2 basis points (derivatives).Benefit: Traders and investors cannot be overcharged by brokers.• Research cost included within brokerage; no separate research charge allowed.Benefit: Investors do not pay twice for brokerage and research.
Nuclear Energy Bill India: Lok Sabha Passes Bill Allowing Private Sector
CONTEXT The Lok Sabha passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, which proposes opening India’s civil nuclear sector to private and foreign participation and amending the existing nuclear liability framework. The Bill triggered sharp debate in Parliament, with the Opposition raising concerns over liability dilution and lack of scrutiny. KEY PROVISIONS • The Bill allows private Indian and foreign companies to set up and operate civil nuclear power plants, a sector so far dominated by public sector entities.• It opens the civil nuclear sector to foreign investment, aimed at mobilising capital and facilitating faster nuclear capacity expansion.• The Bill places the responsibility for managing nuclear power plants on the operator, making the operator accountable for plant functioning.• It limits the liability of the operator in case of a nuclear accident to the capacity of the nuclear plant, replacing the earlier open-ended liability framework.• The Bill removes the provision that allowed operators to seek legal recourse against equipment suppliers under the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010.• The government retains control over nuclear waste management, even while permitting private participation in plant operations. ISSUES AND CONCERNS RAISED • The Opposition argued that removal of supplier liability weakens accountability, especially if accidents occur due to faulty equipment.• Concerns were raised that capping operator liability may dilute compensation for victims of nuclear accidents.• The Opposition alleged that the Bill favours large corporate interests, questioning the timing of the legislation.• Demand for sending the Bill to a parliamentary standing committee for scrutiny was rejected, leading to criticism over insufficient legislative examination.• The government countered that the Bill is investment-oriented and not company-specific, and that changes are necessary to make the sector viable.
India Bangladesh Relations: India Urges Safety Amid Dhaka Protests
Context India raised concerns over the safety and security of its diplomatic mission in Dhaka after a radical group in Bangladesh announced a march to the Indian High Commission. Following this, the Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner in New Delhi and reminded Bangladesh of its responsibility under international norms to protect foreign missions. What is happening in Bangladesh • A radical group in Dhaka announced a march to the Indian High Commission to protest India’s alleged interference in Bangladeshi politics.• The protestors demanded the return of “Fascist Hasina”, referring to ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently living in India.• The group also called for an end to what it described as an “unchecked conspiracy” by India’s proxy political party, media and officials. In response, India: • Summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to New Delhi.• Emphasised Bangladesh’s responsibility to ensure the safety of Indian diplomatic and visa facilities.• India rejected the allegations, stating that extremist elements are attempting to create a false narrative about India’s role in recent developments in Bangladesh.
India West Asia Policy Reiterated During Jordan and Israel Visits | GS2
Context PM Modi conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian award. • PM Narendra Modi received “The Grand Honour – Nishan of Ethiopia”. Significance: • Recognition of India’s growing engagement with Africa.• India–Ethiopia ties elevated to a Strategic Partnership. Core Developments PM Modi in Jordan • Talks with King Abdullah II in Amman. Key focus: • India–Jordan cooperation in Syria’s reconstruction.• Infrastructure collaboration (railways, next-gen infrastructure).• Joint concern over terrorism, extremism, radicalisation. Significance: • India’s role as a responsible stakeholder in West Asian stability. EAM Jaishankar in Israel • Visit to Tel Aviv; meetings with Israeli leadership. Key points: • Reaffirmed zero tolerance to terrorism.• Supported U.S.-proposed Gaza peace plan for a durable solution. Context: • Visit amid Israeli law restricting UNRWA activities (historically supported by India). Significance: • Balanced diplomacy: strong Israel ties alongside Arab engagement.
India Maldives Military Exercise EKUVERIN Concludes | GS3 Defence
Context • The bilateral military exercise EKUVERIN between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF) concluded in Thiruvananthapuram.• The exercise marked the culmination of two weeks of joint training, reinforcing defence cooperation between India and Maldives under India’s Neighbourhood First and SAGAR vision. EKUVERIN • Type: Bilateral military exercise.• Countries involved: India – Maldives.• Forces: Indian Army and Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF).• Nature of exercise: Annual (alternately hosted by India and Maldives).• Location (latest edition): Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Indian Army Apache Helicopters Final Batch Inducted | GS3 Defence
Context • The Indian Army has completed the induction of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, strengthening its offensive aviation capability, especially along the western front. AH-64E Apache • Type: Attack / multi-role combat helicopter.• Variant with India: AH-64E Apache Guardian.• Manufacturer: Boeing (USA). Key Features • All-weather, day-night combat capability.• Longbow fire-control radar for target detection and tracking.• High survivability in hostile combat environments.
Post Maoist Governance in India and Future Challenges | GS3
CORE CONTEXT • Maoist violence has declined due to security operations, especially in Fifth Schedule tribal areas.• However, Maoism emerged and sustained itself due to deep governance failures, not ideology alone.• The post-Maoist phase demands a shift from military dominance to legitimate, participatory governance. PROBLEM: Governance Deficits Behind Maoism • Administrative neglect in Fifth Schedule areas.• Extractive state institutions (police, forest, revenue) with weak accountability.• Under-representation of Adivasis in governance and local bodies.• Poor service delivery: health, education, nutrition, welfare.• Justice vacuum → Maoist jan adalats filled the gap. Failure of protective laws: • PESA (1996): Gram Sabhas lack real autonomy.• Forest Rights Act (2006): rights diluted via executive actions.• Land alienation and mining without genuine consent → loss of trust in state. SOLUTION: Post-Maoist Governance Roadmap • Move beyond security-centric approach to governance-centric reforms. Strengthen local self-governance: • Empower Gram Sabhas under PESA.• Functional Autonomous and Zonal Councils. Administrative reforms: • Greater tribal representation in bureaucracy, police, forest and revenue departments.• Context-sensitive governance. Justice and rule of law: • Accessible, speedy, non-coercive justice.• End parallel authority spaces. Restore constitutional protections: • Faithful implementation of PESA and FRA.• Reverse dilution through executive and legal bypasses.• Political priority to Fifth Schedule areas for durable peace. TDF “Suggest key governance reforms required to ensure durable peace in India’s post-Maoist regions.”(Answer in 150 words)
India Trade Deficit Falls to $6.6 Billion in November | GS3 Economy
Context • India has been facing global economic uncertainty, slowing external demand and volatile commodity prices.• In this backdrop, trade deficit trends are closely tracked as they affect current account balance, forex stability, and growth outlook. Summary • India’s merchandise trade deficit sharply narrowed by over 61% to $6.6 billion in November 2025.• The improvement was driven by strong recovery in merchandise exports and moderation in imports, especially gold. Key Data Total exports: • Grew 15.5% to $74 billion (Nov 2025). Merchandise exports: • Rose 19.4% to $38.1 billion — highest November level in the last 10 years. Total imports: • Declined 0.6% to $80.6 billion. Merchandise imports: • Fell 1.9% to $62.7 billion.• Were 17.6% lower than October, mainly due to a sharp fall in gold imports. Gold imports: • Fell nearly 60% year-on-year and about 73% month-on-month.
Cheetah Reintroduction in India
Key Objectives Implementing and Nodal Agencies Existing and Planned Cheetah Habitats 1. Kuno National Park (KNP) 2. Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary 3. Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (Proposed) Conservation Significance Future Plans and International Cooperation
All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
Historical Background Mandate and Functions Academic Coverage AICTE regulates education in the fields of: Accreditation Role
